Sommeliers Association of India Celebrates One Year with Key Milestones

Sommeliers Association of India Celebrates One Year with Key Milestones

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 20, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) has completed a remarkable first year, emerging as a strong national platform for wine education and hospitality in India. Since its membership launch in October 2024, the Association has crossed 200 members, hosted India’s first SAI Best Sommelier Competition, and introduced the globally recognised Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) certifications and diploma programmes to India for the very first time.

SAI made its international debut when Co-Founder and President Amrita Singh presented India’s vision at the ASI 55th Anniversary and General Assembly in Monaco, where India was unanimously voted as a Member of ASI’s College of Applicants. This achievement placed India alongside globally recognised sommelier associations and opened doors for Indian professionals to connect with international standards in wine knowledge, service, and competitions.

“From the moment we stood before the ASI Executive Board in Monaco, our mission was clear, to build a platform that delivers rigorous education, real career pathways, and international exposure for Indian sommeliers,” said Amrita Singh, President, Sommeliers Association of India. “This first year proved that with focus, community, and collaboration, India can raise service standards, celebrate its culinary diversity, and compete confidently on the world stage.”

SAI’s first year featured several important milestones. Jai Singh was recognised as the 2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India and went on to represent the country at the 2025 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has also been confirmed as India’s official candidate for the 2026 ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the World in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Association hosted India’s first ASI Diploma and ASI Certification Level 1, and supported five Indian sommeliers as they attended the ASI Bootcamp in Singapore. National initiatives such as the Sommelier of the Month programme and the upcoming SAI Job Board and Travel Board continue to engage and support members across the country.

SAI has also built strong partnerships with leading international platforms including JancisRobinson.com, JaneAnson.com, GuildSomm, California Wines, Sonal Holland Wine Academy, and Food Matters Group, giving Indian sommeliers access to world-class learning resources.

The leadership team includes Amrita Singh (Co-Founder & President), Mattia Antonio Cianca (Co-Founder & Vice President), Salvatore Castano (Co-Founder & Vice President), and Vinod Abrol (Co-Founder & Vice President), bringing together some of the most respected names in global wine education. Their collective vision centres on education, integrity, inclusion, and opportunities for sommeliers, bartenders, and enthusiasts across India’s fast-growing hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, SAI aims to expand its certifications and partnerships while working towards hosting ASI Certification Level 2 and the ASI Diploma 2026 in India. The Association is also developing a national mentorship and scholarship programme to support emerging talent.

“This is just the beginning,” said Mattia Antonio Cianca, Co-Founder and Vice President of SAI. “We are shaping a generation of Indian sommeliers who will not only serve with skill and knowledge but represent India as part of the global dialogue on wine, hospitality, and culture.”


ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

ButterBrews Opens New Café in Aundh with Coffee-First Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

ButterBrews has opened its new outlet in Aundh, marking its largest format café so far. The new space has been designed as an everyday destination, bringing together a comfortable layout, a strong all-day menu, and a clear focus on coffee.

The café has been planned with multiple zones to suit different preferences. It includes an indoor seating area, a non-smoking outdoor section with an amphitheatre-style setup, and a separate smoking zone placed away from the main space to ensure a smooth and relaxed experience for all guests.

The menu offers a premium all-day selection built around fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from breakfast options, healthy bowls, wholesome meals, and vegan dishes, making it suitable for different tastes and dining needs throughout the day.

Coffee continues to be at the heart of the ButterBrews experience. The café uses 100 percent Arabica beans and serves both house blends and manually brewed coffees. It also features guest roasters like Tulum Coffee Roasters and Ground Zero Coffee Roasters, adding variety to its coffee offerings.

Desserts and baked items are prepared in-house at ButterBrews’ bakehouse. Popular choices include the Basque cheesecake and cinnamon rolls, which have already become favourites among guests.

Commenting on the opening, Harsh Agarwal, Co-founder, ButterBrews, said, “ButterBrews, Aundh is our largest format cafe yet. We have built a stronger indoor experience and created clear zones across the cafe so guests can settle in the way they like. We want this to be an address people can count on through the week.”

Umang Bhimrajka, Co-founder, ButterBrews, added, “For us, coffee has always been non-negotiable. With 100 percent Arabica beans, house espresso coffees and manual brews that rotate speciality roasters, we are bringing a program that balances familiarity with discovery. Alongside that, the all-day menu and our bakehouse desserts complete the experience we want to offer Aundh.”


McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

McDonald’s India Brings Back Limited-Edition Sipper with App-Exclusive Meals

By Hariharan U

Published on April 7, 2026

McDonald's India – North and East has reintroduced its popular limited-edition Sipper, bringing back the fan-favourite collectible as part of its app-exclusive Super Sipper Meals. The offering follows strong customer demand earlier this year and is available for a limited time across select regions.

Accessible exclusively through the McDonald's App, the Super Sipper Meals can be ordered between 4 PM and 7 PM, adding an element of exclusivity and urgency for customers looking to grab the collectible while stocks last.

The meals are offered in two variants, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The Veg option, includes a McAloo Tikki Burger, Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff. The Non-Veg variant, features a McGrill Burger along with Medium Fries, Small Coke, and Pizza McPuff.

Commenting on the reintroduction, Rajeev Ranjan said the overwhelming response to the earlier launch highlighted customers’ interest in unique and engaging experiences. He added that the brand remains focused on delivering offerings that combine value, taste, and memorable moments.

Operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., McDonald’s India – North and East continues to strengthen its presence with over 295 restaurants and 190+ McCafé outlets across the region. The brand’s latest offering reflects its ongoing effort to create experience-led promotions that go beyond traditional value meals.

By combining everyday favourites with collectible merchandise, the reintroduced Sipper campaign aims to enhance customer engagement while driving digital adoption through its app ecosystem.


Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

Ambience Mall Gurugram Welcomes CoCo Ichibanya to Its Dining Line-Up

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 7, 2026

CoCo Ichibanya has opened its new outlet at Ambience Mall Gurugram, adding a global flavour to the mall’s growing food and beverage offerings. Located on the third floor, the restaurant spans around 3,000 sq. ft. and can accommodate up to 52 guests.

Founded in 1978 in Japan, CoCo Ichibanya is known as one of the world’s largest Japanese curry chains. The brand is popular for its curry-and-rice dishes, offering a mix of consistency and customisation, allowing diners to personalise their meals based on taste and preference.

The launch is part of Ambience Mall Gurugram’s ongoing effort to strengthen its dining portfolio by bringing in well-known international brands. With this addition, the mall continues to expand its options, offering both everyday dining choices and unique global experiences to visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “Consumer preferences today are evolving towards experiences that feel both authentic and globally relevant. CoCo Ichibanya brings a strong international identity along with an offering that is approachable and versatile. At Ambience Mall, our focus remains on curating a balanced and contemporary mix, and this addition further strengthens that direction.”

With the opening of CoCo Ichibanya, Ambience Mall Gurugram further builds its position as a destination that blends retail with curated dining and lifestyle experiences, catering to a modern and globally aware audience.

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